Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended under-fire goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to some extent following last night's 3-3 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.

There have been suggestions in the media that Klopp will turn to Danny Ward between the posts if Mignolet continues to struggle as he has in recent outings.

The Belgian had the finger pointed at him for both of Arsenal's first half equalisers from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud as Roberto Firmino twice put the Reds in front, but Klopp feels a lack of good defending in front of the stopper was just as big a contribution to Liverpool letting leads slip.

He is quoted by the BBC, saying: "On the second goal, on a perfect day he can make a save but there were a lot of mistakes before.

"We have to defend this better."

Giroud had given Arsenal a second half lead but Joe Allen's strike as the game was entering stoppage time was enough to salvage a point for the Reds in an enthralling encounter, which will live long in the memory.

Klopp reserved praise for Firmino who led the line magnificently and got Liverpool's first two goals - with the crossbar denying him a hat-trick before half-time.

The Liverpool manager is quoted by the official Liverpool website, saying: "I could talk about this for half an hour, but to be honest I think it should be normal because I know how good he is. If you are good, you have to show it and tonight he did.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.